Inspired by his own life-changing experience of having an adult invest in his character and spiritual development, Captain Henry Boateng is passionate about helping young people reach their full potential in Christ. “If you saw me as a child, you wouldn’t have thought I’d be a leader,” he said. “I don’t know where I’d be if someone hadn’t seen potential in me.”
As divisional youth secretaries in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (WUM), Captain Henry and his wife, Captain Pamela, have developed a new program aimed at helping young people discover and develop their gifts as the next generation of disciples.
“We know they are the leaders we need for the church now and in the future,” said Captain Pamela. “We have a lot of teens expressing the desire to be a part of what’s happening, and we want to let them run with it.”
The idea was sparked by teen camp in 2023, when after studying the book of Daniel counselors were encouraged to point out leadership skills in each of their campers and how they reflected the biblical characters. Captains Boateng wondered what kind of impact could be made by not only recognizing teens’ natural abilities but intentionally cultivating them through focused discipleship.
The program kicked off in August with a small group of youth ages 13-17 participating in Young Leaders, a camp designed for youth discipleship and leadership development. Limited to 20 campers, the five-day intensive proved a successful endeavor.
“We were really impressed with their existing skills,” said Captain Henry. “We found that the kids who came were already advanced and were invested in their leadership development. The kids really responded very well and they wanted to be there.”
Using the Four Chair method, campers identified their strengths, spiritual gifts and areas of development. They explored and studied scripture, engaged in team-building and began to develop meaningful relationships with one another, the Boatengs and the officer faculty. There also was plenty of time for fun.
But camp was only the beginning. As they returned home, the young leaders connected with their corps officers for ongoing opportunities. Throughout the year they will engage in additional discipleship activities during regional and divisional events.
Ultimately, the goal is to disciple young people who will not only lead at camp and in corps, but in their homes, schools and communities, becoming adults who will continue to disciple others throughout their lives.
